The Governor’s Residence, Yangon – Myanmar

Brought to life in Rudyard Kipling’s poem Mandalay, Myanmar is definitely a country on the road less travelled.

Formerly known as Burma, the largest city Yangon retains many of the buildings left over from its time as a British colony in the 1800s including The Governor’s Residence, a mansion dating from the 1920s, which is located in the city’s leafy Embassy Quarter.

An Orient Express hotel, the residence brings still evokes the days when it was home to the governor of Burma’s Kaya State. Complete with fan-cooled porches, teak armchairs, and only a short walk from the Shwedagon Pagoda which towers over the city, the hotel is set in a lush garden. We love the peaceful atmosphere created by the water features, lotus garden and unique fan-shaped pool surrounded by bright red parasols and loungers.

Deluxe rooms offer a courtyard view with double or twin beds with a small sitting area, underfloor heating in the bathroom and supersized bath while Governor’s rooms have been newly renovated in a contemporary Burmese style with modern touches.

Though we’re not so keen on hotel restaurants in general, we can’t think of anything better than an alfresco dinner on the verandah, caressed by the warm breezes and the sounds of the city.

We recommend taking a few extra days in the country to explore the rivers, temples and peaceful Lake Inle. Of course, one of the best ways to see Myanmar is by boat, and the Orient-Express cruise “The Road to Mandalay” takes guests along the Irrawaddy River from Bhamo in the north of country down to Yangon over 11 nights (cruises lasting 3-7 nights are also available).

Deluxe rooms at The Governor’s Residence are available from USD 133++ (approximately HKD 1,100) including breakfast.

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Maura Thompson

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and I lived in New York City for three years before moving to Hong Kong in May 2008. Moving to Hong Kong has been one of the best decisions I ever made! I am a total city girl and pride myself on being able to navigate the hills of Hong Kong in 5-inch heels. I am quite certain though that I will face plant one day on Pottinger Street and I just hope no one will be around to witness it. I love all things fitness related and I am at my happiest when doing Tree pose on my yoga mat.